Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Yesterday I signed up for the Wear Blue: Run to Remember and received Sgt Dale Lloyd as my person. I do something each year for Memorial Day due to the loss of my fellow Airman A1C Antoine Holt while we were in Balad in 2004. When I received the name of Sgt Lloyd, I decided to see what I could learn of him because I know how important keeping the legacy of those fallen is and was even more excited to learn he was a PA resident just as I was when I joined the military. Please know I plan to honor your friend, family member, fellow solider this Memorial Day and will continue to share his name while I share the name of my own lost friend and fellow airman. Sending you many prayers and blessings."
Harmony Hartless (SSgt USAF) of San Antonio TX

"We all miss you Dale, you were the greatest friend.I tell stories about you to my new friends, about how Goofy you could be, and how you wanted to be an English teacher... My stories always end with you being the best of all of us. The world lost a lot that day, years ago. Thank you, love you man."
PFC Bryan Teal of Marcellus, NY

"I am a Massachusetts resident who visits home on Long Island and found his bracelet that must have washed up to shore in Montauk. If you would like me to send it to a relative I will. My phone number is 413-531-5282 you may text an address to do so if you would like to."
Francine of Agawam, Massachusetts, US

"Dale and i served together in 2nd plt bo co 1/32 inf in iraq i was there the day that he died it was and still is one of the worst days of my life Dale was my best friend i had in the army and july 19th 2004 we lost him the world would have been a better place if Dale would have made it to be a history teacher like he wanted. And to the family i am so sorry for your lose Dale was a great man, friend, and soldier!!! CHOSIN"
SSG ROBERT MUNSON of FT. RILEY KS

"To the family of:Dale T.Lloyd
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"2-21-11"

"You were my best friend. And I think i need help to realize this all. I have been a rock for the family, but i am hurtin'. It has been years now but i cannot forget the hand turkeys... Good game Dale good Game."
joel of muncy, pa US

"Dale,
King said it best when he said that you were a rock. You never faulted from accomplishing your goals, and you always kept your men prepared. You were a great leader, and a perfect example of what any soldier should aspire to be. I am proud to call you my friend, and honored to have known you."
SSG Matthews of Mansfield, GA

"June 17, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Dale T. Lloyd:
Dale gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Just wanted you to know that I am still thinking about you. We love and miss you."
Heather Evans of Fort Campbell, Ky.

"To Dale's loved ones: after reading all the posts on this page, I have no doubt Dale was an exceptional young man. Like him, my older brother Sgt. Brandon Adams lost his life after serving in Iraq with the 1-32 out of Ft. Drum. My deepest sympathies go to his family on the loss of a true American hero."
Janelle Adams of Altoona, PA

"I never knew this man. I just wanted to post that I received a hero bracelet with his name on it today. Basically, each bracelet has the name of someone who died in Iraq or Afghanistan and $2 of the bracelet purchase price goes to build a rehibilitation center for wounded soldiers. I'm very sorry for your loss- your son, your friend, and your comrade seemed to be such a great person."
Kate of Canton, Georgia

"My husband SSGT Evans was stationed in Iraq with Dale and I myself had the honor to attend his services. Your son was one of the greatest men my husband ever knew. He took care of his men and got the job done with integrity. And although I never got the chance to truely know Dale, he hold a very special place in my heart as well. I wish you all well. You will forever be our hearts and prayers.

You are sadly missed but never forgotten! GOOD GAME DALE!"
Heather And Dave Evans (evansjune@msn.com) of Fort Campbell, KY

"i served with dale in iraq as a member of his squad. i became friends with him very fast but who couldnt become friends with him. he definately was a great man one who would easily make you laugh and forget your surroundings and the war outside. my time over there would have never been the same without him. he was a great leader also. anything he said you did because you knew he wouldnt lead any of us into harm. the day he was killed in action i was wounded and did not find out until about a week later when i was in walter reed army medical center. someone from our unit came to check on me and while talking he mentioned about dales and charles persings funeral. i will never forget the pain i felt at that moment. it was much worse than the pain i was feeling due to my injurys. i was hurt that dale and charles were gone, i didnt want to believe it. but ive learned everything happens for a reason and right now they are in a better place laughing and goofing around and driving everyone crazy. i will miss dale very much. i will always remember him as a great person who i looked up to. amy and dick you should be very proud of him and i know you are. you guys did a great job raising him. i will try and make it down as often as i can. i am always a phone call away if needed. god bless.
james o'leary"
james o'leary of holtsville,ny

"To the Family of Sgt. Dale Lloyd,
On this Memorial Day, there are no words that can convey my sorrow over the loss of our sons, brothers, friends. To Amy, Dale's mom...thank you for helping me through my grieving. Your kind words and support have given me such comfort and help. To Dale's brother...yours is a different road now, without him. Sometimes people forget that your loss is just as great as parents and spouses. You were the children that grew together, played together, laughed and loved together. My love to you all."
Lourdes Brown, Mother of Sgt. Andy Brown KIA Oct. 8, 2004 of Pleasant Mount, PA

"To the parents of Dale T. Lloyd, I am truly sorry for your loss and I want you to know that I miss him every day. I was his Squad Leader for 10 months in Iraq, and grew to Love him as a brother and as a freind, his memory will always weigh heavy in my heart and I will truly miss him."
Battle 2-3 of Fort Drum, NY

"I love you Dale. You were the best Big cousin i could ever ask for. You always watched after me and the 'boys', and Adam and the 'ladies'. Thank you for all the laughs and memories from growing up and being a leader. I look up to you. I remember when you came home and I hung on your arm as you picked me up with that one single arm. I still remember the very last time you ever came home..your face, everything..and then you left, and i didnt even get to say good-bye. So Good-bye Dale. I miss you so much and there is a big gap in my heart, now that you're gone. But i can only remember the good times and the laughs. That's what keeps me going. I wrote you a poem. Rest in Peace Big cousin.

To Dale

no one can ever forget you
you were so funny.
you and those silly hand turkeys,
you could turn a cloudy day sunny.

we all love you dale
i hope you knew
and i know we will still be greiving
after many years after you.

but we have to think of the good times
not the bad
cuz i know thats what youd want
and not everyone to be sad.

so i keep my head high
make it through each day
and everytime i have problems,
to you, i sit and pray.

you are my hero
and i have to see
that you were a soldier
and died just for me.

since i didnt get to say goodbye
that day you left everyone
Goodbye my dear cousin
Rest In Peace hun."
Autumn Lynn Beaver of Watsontown, Pa

"I grew up in the army with Dale. I remember first getting to Drum, not knowing anybody. I go to my assigned room and already everything I owned was in there. I knew I would get along great with my new roommate. Dale had moved me in without being asked to. this is the kind of person he was. To me, the loss is tremendous. I will never forget the good times and bad, our struggles and feats of accomplishment. Sgt. Dale Lloyd, your memory will never fade. Goodbye my friend."
Richard Frost II of Miami, Fl

"To Sgt. Lloyd, A message from Andrew's mom, Thank you for being a friend to my son while you were in Iraq.Thank you for being there when he needed you. Even though we never met you will always hold a special place in my heart. Andrew spoke highly of you as he did Pfc. Persing. He sent us pictures of what he called the A-Team.You have touched the lives of all our family. Thank you, as you gave the ultimate gift,for the love of your country. The Hillier/Coughlan Family"
Debra Hillier of Custer,Michigan

"It was an honor for me to have been able to meet Dale and have a chance to get to know him. Although I didn't know him long, the time I spent with him will always be in my memories. I remember the first time I ever heard about Dale, in my 1st period Economics class, from my bestfriend Katie (who was dating hime at the time). I wrote to him, sentences only, but it was fun to read the letters he had written. Meeting him was great and being able to go to the K-rockathon with him was amazing. You're truly missed Dale!"
Lindsay Pskowski of Marcellus, NY, USA

"Dale you accomplished more in your 22 years than most people have in 80 years. I watched you enter the army as a boy and grow into a man. I have no regrets, just deep sorry!! I am very proud of you.
God Bless you. Love always, Mom"
Amy Beaver, Mother of SGT Dale Thomas Lloyd of Watsontown, PA

"CHOSEN"

"Dear Dale's family,
I took part in Dale's military honors service, and words cannot express what an honor it was for me to honor a true hero.Not a day goes by were I don't think about Dale and the other men and women who gave the ultimate sacrafice for us to be free.Thank you Dale and God bless his wonderful family who left an impression on me like no others have."
SSG Adam Arabian of Warwick, RI

"To the family of Dale T. LLoyd. We also know the pain your family is in. We lost our nephew, Sgt Andrew Brown on Oct. 8, 2004. Your family knows first hand the lonely feeling we have. We just have to keep all the memories we have of them close to our hearts. May God Bless your family. You're in our prayers."
The Kelly Family of Pleasant Mount, Pa.

"We are so sorry for your loss. We lost Army Spc.Joshua Justice Henry on 9-20-04. This was the hardest day of our lives. We honor these guys as our Heroes and hope no one else has to go through with what we are all dealing with. Rest in peace Dale, and thank you for serving your country to the fullest"
Henry family of Vandergrift , PA

"Dear Dale,
Life sent us on our seperate ways but I have always had you in my thoughts. We have all grown up to be men and your untimely death is very unfortunate but you made the ultimate selfless sacrifice for all of us and our posterity. You will always be remembered Dale."
Wayne Gutman of Sunbury, PA, USA

"Dale, we are so very proud of you . We know first hand how devastating your loss is to our family. We appreciate your ultimate sacrifice, We love you and will always honor your memory."
Love, Aunt Shirley and Uncle Bob of West Islip, N.Y. 11795

"Dear Dale's Family:
After a year I thought i would be all cried out. My son Pfc. Adam L. Thomas was killed in Shkin Afghanistan on Aug 31, 2003 he was with 1-87 10th Mountain Div. Every time I hear of one of our own its like it happens all over again. I do find peace in knowing Adam is safe in heaven. Dale shall be remembered as a true hero, he gave the ultimate sacrifice and believe me he will NEVER be forgotten. Dale is America's HERO. Thank you Dale. If I could help your family in anyway please just ask. always"
Ellen Thomas of Burbank, IL

"I knew Dale from the moment he arrived in Ft Drum. He became my roommate and I immediately saw a man of true potential. Even after I left 2nd plt, he would still stop by my room from time to time with drink in hand, talking about the hand turkey and looking for conversation. The guy made me laugh constantly and I have no doubt that he would have gone on and done EVERYTHING he looked forward to, especially teaching history. I know that my words are small in the way of condolense, but rest assured, he made a positive impact on everyone on the company. He is one of the few that I will miss and remember until the end of my days."
SPC Casey Bennett of B Co, 1-32 Inf, 3rd Plt

"Words cannot express the deep heartache our family has experienced with your ultimate sacrifice. We will be eternally comforted by the knowledge that you represented all that is good and decent in this world. You were truly a great American hero. Thank you for making everyone proud of the way you conducted your painfully short life."
Cousin Bruce and family of Hackettstown, NJ

"To the family and friends of Sgt Dale T. Lloyd, Sincere condolences on your loss.We who live in freedom are grateful to the many who have made the ulimate sacrifice to preserve it.God bless you"
Gisela Weidman of Babylon, New York

"i dont know what to say about your son he was one of the best soldiers i have ever had the pleasure to meet. I served with him for 3 years he was in a different platoon but in our company everyone is very close. Dale and I went to the E-5 board together he out scored me of course he was the only one that had a perfect score. I dont remember one time him losing his control he was a rock someone you could count on under pressure I will miss him but never forget him."
SGT King of Iraq

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Dale, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Sgt. Dale T.Lloyd: You are very special to me!! You have touched my heart in many ways!! You will always be with me!! In my heart and in spirit!! You are an amazing person and i want everyone to know how much i truely loved you!!! You will always be my first true love!! Thank you very much for doing all that you have done!! Rest In Peace my love and remember we will be joined again some day!!"
Mandy Powell of Wilkes- Barre, pa. 18705

"You were the stuff that makes America great; a hero in the truest sense - giving your life for all of us. We are proud of you.
Aunt Lucille and Uncle Curt"
Lucille and Curtis Roselle of Kirkland Wa

"Sergeant Lloyd, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Thank you so very much for the sacrice you have made to give the Iraqi people a chance to live in freedom. You are a very wonderful son that I am very proud of. Daddo"
Dick Lloyd of Thornhurst, PA

"My deepest sympathies at the loss of your son. I truly know your pain..my son Gunnery Sgt Ronald Baum USMC was killed May 3rd..we are from Altoona, Pa.
Just wanted you to know that you and your family our in our thoughts and prayers. Yesterday would have been my son's 39th birthday, he had 3 children; we celebrated his life and rejoiced in the blessing of the time we had together. May each day you find some glimmer of your son's love for you within your heart. My son comes to us in the rain...and its been rainin' alot down here. We miss him so..may you be sustained in your love for your son and for each other. One day at a time..one moment at a time...you can do it.
Semper Fi
Gunny Baum's Mom
connincrew@aol.com...anytime"
Connie Hilling of Williamsburg, Pa

"To Dale's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To Dale's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your loved one's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (Ernie's mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow and need. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. You will not be forgotten."
a grateful citizen of arizona

"Thank you Dale Lloyd, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Dale Lloyd:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Dale for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Dale Lloyd:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Dale, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia